Afghan sentry opens fire, claims two lives at Chaman check post

Chaman: A 12-year-old child and an elderly individual lost their lives, while another child sustained injuries due to unprovoked and indiscriminate firing by Afghan sentries at the outbound check post in Chaman. 

The incident occurred on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

The Deputy Commissioner of Chaman issued a statement, revealing that the elderly individual was approximately 70 years old.

Although Pakistani forces were put on high alert, there was no exchange of fire in response to the attack.

Both deceased individuals were transported to DHQ Chaman, and their bodies have been handed over to their respective families.

While Bab Dosti Gate remained open after the incident, pedestrian traffic was briefly halted.

The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that the matter has been reported to higher authorities and will be taken up with the Afghan government.

This incident is not the first of its kind, as clashes along the Chaman Pak-Afghan border have occurred previously, with several taking place since the new Afghan government came into power.

In December 2022, at least six people were killed, and 17 others were injured during clashes.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of the Pakistan Army has contacted Afghan authorities to inquire about the motive behind this irresponsible act and negligence.

They have also urged the Afghan authorities to apprehend the culprits and hand them over to Pakistani authorities.

The ISPR expects the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to exercise control over its troops, prevent future incidents and clashes, and act responsibly.

The Pakistan Army's spokesperson emphasized Pakistan's commitment to peace, prosperity, and development through positive bilateral relations.

However, such unfortunate incidents are likely to strain the sincerity and purpose of these efforts.

Caretaker Federal Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the firing at the Chaman border, emphasizing that such incidents are unacceptable under any circumstances.

Bugti praised the restraint shown by Pakistani forces in the face of unprovoked firing and expressed hope that the Afghan government would take serious action, as such incidents negatively impact bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, in another unfortunate incident, a security forces vehicle in Chaghi Bazaar was hit by an improvised explosive device, resulting in the martyrdom of two personnel and injuries to three others.

The vehicle was completely destroyed by the explosion.

Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani strongly condemned the attack in Balochistan's Chaghi Bazaar.

He reaffirmed that attempts to disrupt peace, particularly in Balochistan, would fail in the face of such cowardly acts of sabotage.

Sanjrani ordered the provision of all necessary facilities to the injured personnel and offered prayers for the martyrs' elevated status and the swift recovery of the injured.